THERE will be a first new men's champion for six years at the 33rd annual Bolton Tennis Tournament which begins tonight at Bolton School's Leverhulme Pavilion.
Jonny Shacklady, the winner for the last five years, is not competing this year, making Jay Hardy the number one seed followed by Richard Garcia, Tom Lemon and James Moore.
The seedings are based on players' LTA ranking points and with no previous winners in the draw the men's competition is certain to produce a new first-time champion.
Laurie Clark is the top seed in the ladies' singles followed by Laura Steel, Amy Hadjinicolaou and Rebecca Baldwin.
The Leverhulme Pavilion has 18 courts meaning the entire competition can be staged at one venue if the weather remains fine.
If there is bad weather, games can be switched to courts at Bolton Arena, Markland Hill, David Lloyd and Lostock.
The tournament runs daily until finals day next Saturday and features around 200 local players.
It is free for spectators with action taking place from 5.45pm in midweek and 1pm on the two Saturdays and Sunday.
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